What Are the Safest 2012 Cars Under $30,000?

By Jeff Youngs, December 29, 2012

To determine the safest 2012 cars, J.D. Power and Associates narrowed
the field of focus to those models receiving both a 5-star overall
rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS. The
14 passenger-car models discussed below also have a base price of less
than $30,000..

2012
Buick Regal
The Buick Regal is a midsize family sedan based on a European model
called the Opel Insignia. For 2012, the Regal is offered with a choice
between four different powertrains, from the mild-hybrid Regal eAssist
to the 270-horsepower, turbocharged Regal GS. OnStar telematics comes
standard and includes six months of free Automatic Crash Response
service, which can speed rescuers to the scene of an accident following
an air bag deployment.

2012
Chevrolet Cruze
The Chevrolet Cruze is a compact sedan with seating for 5 occupants.
Trim level offerings include the base LS model and LT, LTZ, and
fuel-economy-maximized Eco. Standard equipment for all trim levels
includes 10 air bags, with rear park-assist sensors offered for the LT
trim and standard on LTZ. OnStar telematics is also standard, and
includes six months of free Automatic Crash Response service, which
activates after an air bag deployment to help speed rescue.

2012
Chevrolet Sonic
A new model for 2012, the Sonic 4-door sedan and 5-door hatchback
replace the Aveo
as Chevrolet's
entry-level subcompact car. Offered in LS, LT and LTZ trim levels, the
2012 Sonic includes 10 standard air bags and six months of free OnStar
Automatic Crash Response service.

2012
Chrysler 300
A full-size sedan, the Chrysler 300 looks and feels more like an
upscale model and, in higher trim levels with more standard equipment,
can rightly be considered a luxury car. Numerous variants are
available, ranging from a base model with a V-6 engine to a performance
model with a 470-horsepower, 6.1-liter V-8 engine. All except the base
model are equipped with a reversing camera, and an optional SafetyTec
package adds adaptive headlights, adaptive cruise control,
forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path
detection, front and rear park-assist sensors, and more.

2012
Honda Accord Sedan
Though the EPA classifies it as a full-size sedan, the 2012 Honda
Accord competes against midsize family cars. In its final year before a
complete redesign, the 2012 Accord Sedan is offered in five trim levels
with a choice between a 4-cylinder and a V-6 engine. All Accords are
engineered to Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE)
standards, which are designed to deflect crash energy away from the
passenger compartment. For Bluetooth connectivity and a reversing
camera, buyers must choose the top-of-the-line EX-L trim level with
leather seats.

2012
Honda Civic Sedan
Redesigned for 2012, the Honda Civic Sedan is offered in eight
different trim levels, ranging from a basic DX model to a
performance-oriented Si model, with luxurious EX-L, economical Hybrid,
and green-leaning Natural Gas variants in between. All are designed to
Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) standards, which are
intended to make the Civic compatible with a wider variety of vehicles
in a collision and to deflect crash energy away from passengers.

2012
Hyundai Elantra Sedan
Classified as a midsize car by the EPA but priced to compete against
compact sedans, the 2012 Hyundai Elantra is offered in the standard GLS
or upscale Limited trim. Models equipped with a navigation system
include a reversing camera. For 2013, the Elantra
Sedan, a new Elantra
Coupe, and Elantra
GT join the Elantra model lineup.

2012
Hyundai Sonata
The Hyundai Sonata is a midsize sedan sold in GLS, SE and Limited trim
levels, with a choice between a standard and a turbocharged 4-cylinder
engine. A Sonata
Hybrid model is also on sale. For 2012, a new Blue Link telematics
system debuts with a free limited-time subscription to Automatic
Collision Notification and SOS Emergency Assistance services. Blue Link
also provides speed and curfew alerts, and reports when the Sonata has
been driven beyond a prescribed geographic area. A reversing camera is
also added to all models equipped with a navigation system.

2012
Kia Optima
Offered with a choice between a standard 4-cylinder engine,
turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, and a hybrid powertrain, the 2012 Kia
Optima is a midsize family sedan offered in LX, EX, SX, and Hybrid
trim levels. Models equipped with a navigation system include a
reversing camera.

2012
Scion tC
The Scion tC is a 4-passenger coupe equipped with a hatchback and
folding rear seats to expand cargo capacity. Bluetooth connectivity
with streaming audio is standard, and the Scion tC is equipped with a
brake override system that is designed to make it impossible for the
car to accelerate when the brake pedal is pressed.

2012
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry, the best-selling model in America, is a midsize sedan
that is redesigned for the 2012 model year. It is offered in four trim
levels, with a choice between a 4-cylinder engine, V-6 engine, and a hybrid
powertrain. All are equipped with knee air bags for the driver and
front passenger and Smart Stop technology, which is designed to prevent
the Camry from accelerating when the brake pedal is pressed. The
top-of-the-line Camry XLE trim level can be equipped with a reversing
camera and Safety Connect telematics service, which speeds rescuers to
the scene of the accident if the Camry's air bags deploy.

2012
Toyota Prius
A midsize, 5-passenger, 5-door hatchback equipped with a standard
gas-electric hybrid powertrain, the 2012 Toyota Prius is rated to get
50 mpg in combined driving in addition to achieving top-notch
crash-test ratings. Trim levels include Two, Three, Four, and Five. The
Prius Four can be optioned with Safety Connect telematics service,
which activates when the air bags deploy to speed rescuers to the scene
of an accident, while the Prius Five is equipped with an intelligent
cruise control system. All models are equipped with Toyota's Smart Stop
brake override technology designed to prevent unintended acceleration.

2012
Volkswagen Passat For 2012, the VW Passat is completely
redesigned and built specifically for consumers in the United States
seeking a comfortable and affordable family sedan. The midsize car is
offered with a choice between a 5-cylinder engine, V-6 engine, and a
4-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, and can be equipped with S, SE, SEL, or
SEL Premium trim. All include free scheduled maintenance for 3 years or
36,000 miles, and a reversing camera system is optional..